Drug Interactions Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 18, 05/10/2011

Question

Why should fluoxetine (Prozac) not be given to patients with breast cancer that is being treated with tamoxifen (Nolvadex)?

Answer

Patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer are likely candidates for treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex), which is a well known selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).(1)  While tamoxifen can be very helpful in treating this type of cancer, it is unfortunately known to cause severe hot flashes, which could be treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine (Prozac).(3,4)  The use of fluoxetine may also be useful in this patient population if major depressive disorder is also present.  Unfortunately, the coadministration of fluoxetine along with tamoxifen could...

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